APC Primary Violence in Ekiti Exposes Deeper Crisis of Internal Democracy in Nigeria’s Ruling Party
The Report
As reported by an original source, the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ward 10, Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State descended into chaos on Saturday, forcing electoral officials to halt the process and declare it inconclusive. The primary pitted Olushola Fatoba against Tope Ogunleye, widely known as RST. According to eyewitnesses, tensions escalated when suspected thugs allegedly backing Fatoba stormed the venue wielding canes and firearms, aiming to intimidate Ogunleye’s supporters and suppress turnout.
“Despite the hostile atmosphere, Ogunleye’s backers held their ground, chanting solidarity songs in support of their candidate. Voting eventually started under heavy tension.”
Observers noted that Ogunleye appeared to command a larger share of support among members present. Violence erupted after Fatoba’s camp allegedly sensed an imminent loss. During the unrest, Ogunleye’s agent, Mr. Sunday, was assaulted. Another member, Mr. Femi Ogunleye, was reportedly beaten and his Tecno Spark 9 phone seized. A female supporter, Mrs. Oluwaseun Osamuwa, was also attacked and her Apple Smart Wrist Watch stolen. Both Mr. Femi Ogunleye and Mrs. Osamuwa sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital. As of press time, no winner had emerged and the Ward 10 primary remained inconclusive.
WANA Regional Analysis
Against this backdrop, the violence at the APC primary in Ekiti is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a systemic rot plaguing internal party democracy across Nigeria and, by extension, the broader West African political landscape. The ruling APC, which has positioned itself as a champion of democratic consolidation, is increasingly struggling to manage internal contests without resorting to thuggery and intimidation. This incident raises critical questions about the party’s ability to conduct free and fair primaries—a foundational requirement for credible general elections.
The broader implications for the ECOWAS region suggest a worrying trend. When a dominant party like the APC cannot ensure peaceful internal elections, it sets a dangerous precedent for political culture. The use of armed thugs to suppress opposition within the same party signals a zero-sum approach to politics that undermines the very essence of democratic competition. For West Africa, where electoral violence remains a persistent threat to stability, such incidents erode public trust in democratic processes and embolden actors who prefer force over dialogue.
Historically, internal party violence in Nigeria has often foreshadowed larger electoral crises. The 2023 general elections were marred by allegations of rigging and intimidation, and the inability of parties to conduct peaceful primaries suggests that little has been learned. The Ekiti incident also highlights the vulnerability of ordinary party members and agents who risk life and limb to participate in the democratic process. The assault on Mr. Femi Ogunleye and Mrs. Oluwaseun Osamuwa, including the theft of their personal property, underscores the lawlessness that can prevail when security agencies fail to provide adequate protection.
Stakeholders are calling on security agencies and electoral authorities to probe the disruption, ensure justice for those attacked, and safeguard the credibility of future primaries. However, without a fundamental shift in political culture—where internal contests are seen as a healthy competition of ideas rather than a battle for survival—such violence will likely recur. The APC leadership must take decisive action to discipline those responsible and implement mechanisms for transparent, violence-free primaries. For West Africa, the message is clear: the health of democracy depends on the integrity of internal party processes, and any failure at this level ripples outward, threatening the stability of the entire region.
Original Reporting By: Original Source